Teoscar Hernandez had a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers in January this year. His validity is running out, and he has some demands going forward. But Teo wants a lengthy contract with one of the top franchises in the league.
The 32-year-old outfielder is currently seeking a three-year contract worth between $22 and $24 million per year. Teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and New York Yankees are showing interest in him. From his side of the story, it’s clear that Hernandez has a lot of options. But why is he asking for this kind of money? Let’s break it down.
Hernandez is coming off an impressive year with the Dodgers, where he hit a career-high 33 home runs and drove in 99 RBIs. Not to forget, while moving forward, he also slashed .272/.339/.501. His performance in the postseason made him a reliable hitter, as he added three home runs and 12 RBIs.
Given these numbers, it makes sense that he would want a multi-year deal that rhymes with his success. After all, last season, he earned $23.5 million on a one-year contract, and expecting more security through a longer deal is pretty reasonable.
Anthony Santander’s Demand Makes Teoscar Hernandez A Better Option
With big names like Juan Soto off the market, Hernandez and Anthony Santander are now the top corner outfielder choices. While Santander is younger and coming off a 44-homer season, he’s also looking for a five-year deal, which might push some teams to consider Hernandez as a more affordable option.
Teoscar Hernandez for 3 years at $22-24 MM vs. Anthony Santander on a 5-year deal around $100 MM should be the easiest decision ever.
— Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) December 17, 2024
Hernandez is a perfect fit at Fenway. Has made it clear he’d love to be here.
In a perfect world he’d K less, but still an improvement over TON. pic.twitter.com/RjtGjjBf6U
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Hernandez could be the better choice for teams that want to add power without breaking the bank. His experience and postseason success give him an edge, making him an attractive option for teams looking to strengthen their rosters.
Now, it’s important to mention that Hernandez isn’t perfect. He has his own set of struggles on his defensive side and received below-average marks last season. This could be a sticking point, especially for the Dodgers, who may not want to tie up money in a player they worry about defensively. It makes sense for them since they don’t have a designated hitter slot available right now because of Shohei Ohtani.
Teoscar Hernandez Has Multiple Teams Eyeing For Him
However, more than a week later, Hernandez and the Dodgers have not reached an agreement, and other teams like the Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox are also interested in him. Initially, the Dodgers were considering a three-year deal for around $60 million, but now Hernandez is asking for a contract that would total between $66 million and $72 million for three years.
The Dodgers, Blue Jays, and Red Sox have all been active in the market. The Dodgers recently signed pitcher Blake Snell to a hefty $182 million contract. The Blue Jays and Red Sox made their biggest offseason moves through trades, so they have more budget space.
Dave Roberts said the Dodgers are "close" to re-signing Teoscar Hernández on the @BleedLosPodcast. 👀 pic.twitter.com/0MfZxejMFs
— Dodgers Territory (@LADTerritory) December 16, 2024
Additionally, Anthony Santander is also in the mix, looking for a five-year deal, which could influence Hernandez’s negotiations since the two players share similar potential suitors. Hernandez might be a strong fit for the Blue Jays, where he played from 2017 to 2022 and earned Silver Slugger Awards and an All-Star selection during that time.
However, teams might see potential in Hernandez, believing that with the right coaching, he can improve his defensive game. His raw talent and experience could lead to better performance, making a longer deal look a bit more appealing.
Also Read: Teoscar Hernandez Update: Dodgers Inch Closer To Seal Deal As Dave Roberts Reveals Latest Insight
